1 Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!
2 She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God.
3 Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.
4 Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.
5 The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.
6 I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.
7 I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.
8 Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.
9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.
10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering.
11 In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.
12 I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.
13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
14 Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.
15 The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.
16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.
17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
18 I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden.
19 Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.
20 At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.
The third and final chapter of the Book of Zephaniah in the King James Version of the Holy Bible is a powerful testament to the themes of divine judgement, repentance, and ultimate restoration. This chapter begins with the prophet Zephaniah delivering a scathing indictment of the city of Jerusalem, depicting it as a symbol of disobedience and corruption. However, the chapter concludes with a message of hope and restoration, promising that God will purify the people and restore their fortunes.
The chapter begins with a harsh criticism of Jerusalem: “Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!” (Zephaniah 3:1). This verse portrays Jerusalem as a city riddled with sin and corruption, which has turned away from God. Zephaniah accuses Jerusalem of not obeying God's voice, not receiving correction, not trusting in the Lord, and not drawing near to God. These accusations serve to highlight the city's spiritual decadence.
The first half of the chapter is dominated by the theme of divine judgement. God, through Zephaniah, condemns the city's officials, judges, prophets, and priests for their oppressive and deceitful actions. The city's leaders are likened to roaring lions and evening wolves, emphasizing their predatory and destructive nature. Furthermore, the prophets and priests are accused of profaning sacred things and doing violence to the law. These vivid images paint a grim picture of a city that has strayed far from God's path.
However, even amidst this denunciation, God expresses his desire for repentance and change. He says, “I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off” (Zephaniah 3:7). This verse indicates that God's judgement is not arbitrary or vengeful, but rather a divine correction aimed at leading the people back to righteousness.
In the second half of the chapter, the tone shifts from judgement to promise. Despite the city's sins, God promises to leave a remnant of the humble and lowly, who will take refuge in His name. He assures them that He will remove their punishment and turn back their enemies. This shift signifies the theme of restoration and redemption that is central to the Christian faith.
God's promise of restoration is not limited to the city of Jerusalem. He extends it to all nations, saying, “For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent” (Zephaniah 3:9). This verse suggests a universal restoration, where all nations will come together in unity to serve God.
The chapter concludes with a joyful affirmation of God's love and care for His people. Zephaniah describes God as being in the midst of His people, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over them with joy, renew them in His love, and exult over them with loud singing. This image of a loving, caring God contrasts sharply with the earlier image of a wrathful judge, highlighting the dual nature of God as both just and merciful.
The third chapter of Zephaniah offers a profound exploration of the themes of divine judgement, repentance, and restoration. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and corruption, but also offers a message of hope and redemption.
The divine judgement depicted in the chapter is a manifestation of God's justice. It is not a result of God's wrath or vengeance, but rather His desire to correct and guide His people towards righteousness. The harsh criticism of Jerusalem and its leaders serves as a warning against the dangers of straying from God's path.
However, the chapter also emphasizes God's mercy and His willingness to forgive and restore. Despite the city's sins, God promises to leave a remnant and to restore their fortunes. This promise of restoration is a testament to God's enduring love and grace. It serves as a beacon of hope for those who have strayed, assuring them of God's willingness to forgive and restore.
The universal restoration promised in the chapter underscores the inclusivity of God's grace. It suggests that God's promise of restoration is not limited to a specific group or nation, but extends to all people. This universalistic perspective underscores the inclusive and universal nature of God's love and grace.
In conclusion, the third chapter of Zephaniah is a powerful testament to the themes of divine judgement, repentance, and restoration. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and corruption, but also offers a message of hope and redemption. It underscores the dual nature of God as both just and merciful, and reaffirms the inclusivity and universality of His love and grace.
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